Spring Training Notes: 2/27/18

Today’s notes are me catching up on news and games after getting a couple other articles finished.

2/26/18 Games

Mets vs Tigers

Noah Syndergaard was hot during and after his last start.

Here are Noah Syndergaard's velocities in a perfect first inning:

100 mph
100 mph
100 mph
100 mph
90 mph
100 mph
97 mph
91 mph
101 mph
101 mph
92 mph

It's his first outing of the year.

— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) February 26, 2018

Noah Syndergaard, who said it was too hot for a shirt, said he didn’t feel like he was exerting himself throwing 100 mph. pic.twitter.com/SjMg7vyy8h

— James Wagner (@ByJamesWagner) February 26, 2018

Some people worried about him throwing so hard, so soon. At this point in spring training, pitchers are throwing at their game velocity. Right now, they are trying to build up their arms to do it for 30 pitches, 40 pitches, etc. For relievers, the rest days are being altered. It’s the same routine for coming back from injury. Fellow fantasy writer, Walter McMichael, said it best:

Would you be more concerned with him hitting 100 or only touching 93?

Cubs vs Mariners

Albert Almora Jr. is leading off. I could see it be boom or bust with Almora where he is either leading off or batting 8th before the pitcher. Huge value difference.

Angels vs Padres

This was the first game Ohtani hit with great results.

My approach when evaluating hitters is to watch at least 10, possibly 20 plate appearances, to get an idea of their approach and skills. I’ll dive into his hitting later.

2/27/18

Tigers vs Phillies

Both of Miguel Cabrera batted balls were on video yesterday since he got an RBI each time.

 

From his at-bats with available video, he has yet to put a charge into any batted ball. The sacrifice liner to the centerfielder seems like a solid hit but went 250 feet at best.

Mets vs Astros

Steven Matz

FB: 92-94 mph (straight)
CB: 78-80 mph (no feel)
CH: 84-85 mph

After going on the DL (elbow x2) twice last season, I wanted to see how he looked. He had no swing-and-miss in his game with his breaking balls being off. There’s nothing above average in his game besides maybe his fastball velocity. He looked like a pitcher who will put up a 6 K/9, 3 BB/9 and a 1.5 HR/9.

Reds vs Brewers

I watched Anthony DeSclafani’s start to see what he looked like after returning for Tommy John surgery. He threw a rising fastball and an effective curve (no velocity readings for this game). He had a third pitch (2-seam or change) which seemed a bit slower and broke to the release side. It’s a nice start.

Other information

Mark Melancon’s dead arm was really dying.

While a week old, this news is crazy:

When doctors began a procedure designed to allow the muscle to “breathe,” they found something they did not expect.

“It was actually dying off,” Melancon said.

“It had turned gray. When they went in, they literally saw it. The muscle was dying from being restricted,” Melancon said. “The doctor said he hadn’t seen that too much. He said he had seen it, but not there, and not often. Very rare. It was definitely a surprise. I know he was shocked.”

I targeted him often this offseason as my #2 closer. This news scares me until he gets up to speed.

Injuries tracker

Injury reports and guesstimated return times are rolling in.

Marcus Stroman says he's been battling discomfort in his right shoulder since January. He's hoping to resume throwing in 4-5 days. Also hopeful he'll be ready to pitch at the beginning of the regular season, although perhaps not on opening day.

— Arden Zwelling (@ArdenZwelling) February 27, 2018

Fred Zinkie and the boys over at MLB.com have made it easy for us this year to track injuries. They’ve created a single page which tracks all the relevant information fantasy owners need.

Fastball Velocities: From pitch tracking system installed at Salt Rivers (Rockies and D-Backs home park), teams with a broadcast radar (Mets, Nationals, and Yankees home games), and Twitter. Complete spreadsheet.

Kevin Gausman

Gausman fastball 91-93 mph so far on stadium gun #orioles

— Roch Kubatko (@masnRoch) February 26, 2018

Michael Fulmer

Michael Fulmer gave up a Trey Mancini HR on an offspeed pitch in an otherwise good-looking first inning of spring. 14 pitches, 10 strikes, fastball consistently at 94 mph.

— Jason Beck (@beckjason) February 26, 2018

Justin Verlander

Justin Verlander struck out four over two perfect innings in his spring debut. His fastball sat 95 mph and topped out at 97, according to the stadium radar gun. Ken Giles will pitch the 3rd.

— Jake Kaplan (@jakemkaplan) February 26, 2018

Jose Berrios

Stadium gun had Berrios touching 95 and pitching at 91-93 mph in his spring debut.

— Mike Berardino (@MikeBerardino) February 27, 2018